Rood Goose

Ok I will look into the steel tripod for the AZ25. The cost of the steel tripod with the AZ25 mount is not that much more expensive than the packaged AZ25 w/ aluminum tripod.

Yea I can already tell there is the "just 100 more dollars you can get this" feeling but that never ends. Hence why I want to make a leap to an AZ5 with something solid as my next step up from binoculars instead of something really cheap just to have a telescope and generic mount. I can live with the binoculars for a while until then as they are fun on the tripod. Hope your upgrades go well and that is good news about the forums.

Awesome yea I think I will go with the AZ5 as it will last me a while. Are you selling the AZ5 by itself or with a tripod? I just moved here so I am still getting settled in but I may be interested eventually but by all means sell it if you find someone soon (may take me a while as this was a plan for the future.)

Thanks! I think I will look around to see if the AZ5 mount is available because that may be a better option since it can fit the small refractors as well as allow even more room for bigger scopes. Would probably be well worth the extra money considering the value for the future. Much appreciated. Update: I think I have narrowed down my choice. AZ5 mount / skywatcher 102/500 combo Unless I feel the need for the Skywatcher Skymax MAK 102 but will do more research. Until then I will use my binoculars. No point in buying something with a cheap mount in between that.

Hello Everyone, New to the field. Right now as I am on a budget I am using a pair of Celestron 25x70 SkyMaster binoculars with a tripod mount. I will be using this for a while to get started and learn about astronomy. Once my budget changes though in the foreseeable future I had some plans in mind but wanted to ask if it is a good approach given that these binoculars were over 100$. I want to be sure the upgrade to a telescope will be worth the money (upgrade over my binoculars) while staying in a reasonable budget. I want to stick to viewing for now maybe with the occasional cell phone pictures but no serious astrophotography for me. My approach once I decide to go full telescope is to start with my mounting options. I know the dobs are good but I do enjoy the mount scenario instead of tabletop as I like to walk or occasionally take a bus to where I want to view things. Given that scenario I wanted to start with a Vixen Porta 2 mount then go backwards. The reason for this: - Want a mount that can last me a while and still be used if I upgrade optics. - I don't mind spending a bit on a decent mount just not over 400/500 dollars right now. NOTE: I am in Europe so product availability is a bit different with prices being different too. I am using Astroshop.eu for now. The scopes on my radar as of now are: - Skywatcher Startravel 80/400 (would going up to the 102 be worth with refracting? Or is ST80 a good place to start with refracting unless you go big money?) - Bresser 80/640 - Skywatcher SkyMax MAK102 DOB route: Given my scenario of having to be portable and possible be able to carry, despite DOBs being awesome I may not be able to carry a good stool or have a picnic table available. That is the one thing holding me back on them. I do not mind collimating as it is a useful skill to have anyway. Can the dobs work on the Porta mount?? I am not technical enough yet to know these things. - Omegon 102/640 - Zhumell Z114 (I live in a suburb area so street lights are always somewhat nearby I like the enclosed tube vs 100/130p, etc. I know the heritage series is more portable though so I am torn). - Bresser 130/650 - Heritage 130p (these aren't fully enclosed but collapse. I could make my own shield for the street/car lights but long term idk if I like that). Accessories: I will be getting Bresser or Omegon Plossl eyepieces regardless of what I get with mm size depending on which scope I end up buying. If they have better brands on other EU sites Ill consider it but not looking to get over 40$ per piece. Maybe also a filter or two if its refracting like the ST80, etc. I don't want to push into the 500+ dollar range for optics yet at all and big DOBs are simple not an option for me right now due to my situation. Cheers